A-Z of LECTURES and CATEGORIES

'In short the Federation aims to be a body of societies united in their attempts to help each other find the best ways of working for their common cause of creating a fully successful astronomical society. In this way it endeavours to be a true federation, rather than some remote central organization disseminating information only from its own limited experience.'

'Meets monthly (second Tuesday of the month) from September to May ... AAS also meets once a month (fourth Tuesday of the month throughout the year) at Bettridge Centre, Newtonhill, where we hold informal observing evenings. If you want to try out a few telescopes or learn how to get the most out of your model, then these are the evenings for you. AAS members are also on hand to point out features of the night sky. If the skies are cloudy then we retreat inside the Centre for astronomical discussions!'

'We meet on a monthly basis at 7.30 pm. We are a small friendly group of all standards of Astronomy learning and welcome new members who would like to learn about Astronomy, be it the Moon Stars or deep space objects.'

'Our talks are aimed at the enthusiast beginner, unless specifically indicated. Topics range from Planetarium style talks on the stars, a focus on a particular planet, manned and unmanned exploration of space along with practical sessions on how to get the best out of telescopes, binoculars, computer software and websites.'

'Members nights are usually held on the second Wednesday of the month ... except for June, July and August when there is a recess. Meetings commence at 7.30 pm (doors open around 7 pm) and finish around 10.00 pm. These cover discussion of events of current interest, reports from the Committee, followed by the main event of the evening which is a presentation by an Association member or Guest Speaker describing a topic of general interest. Observing equipment is always available to use after the meetings, but weather conditions are rarely favourable, unfortunately!'

'The Society holds eight regular monthly lecture meetings from September through to April each year ... Lectures are held in the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow city centre at 7.30 pm, normally on the third Thursday of each month, however this does occasionally change to allow us to welcome some of our speakers who have busy schedules. All topics of Astronomy are covered in the lectures from Planetary Science to Astrophotography and The Search for Life Beyond Earth. The lectures are free and are open to members and non-members alike. Prior to each meeting a Newsletter is circulated to the Membership giving details of the speaker, the lecture topic and other matters of timely interest.'

'Each month we have a meeting in Aylesbury, where our members and guests will present information on new and interesting aspects of astronomy to other members of the society. The meetings take place on the first Monday of each month at 19.30 until approx 21.30. If the first Monday of the month is a Bank Holiday, the meeting will take place on the following Monday.'

'The Society meets on the fourth Monday of the month September to May ... 7 pm till 9.30 pm. At each meeting there is “time for a chat” when members get together to discuss scopes, astronomy kit and star gazing or just catch up with the gossip. We also have short talks from Members and a Guest speaker ... Don’t worry if you are a newcomer or a beginner just join in the chat! We have all levels of experience and will be pleased to help.'

'All meetings, unless otherwise stated, are held between 7.00 – 10.00 pm on the fourth Thursday of each month except December ... Meetings normally consist of a lecture given by either Basingstoke AS members or by visiting speakers, question and answer sessions, what’s on in the night sky and general discussions over coffee. Members bring telescopes to take advantage of clear skies from the school field.'

'We have two sessions of meetings each year, with the meetings a fortnight apart. Usually the first meeting in the month is a general one of news and discussions. For the last one each month we have a guest speaker to give a talk.'

'Formed in January 1987 by a small group of people with a common interest in astronomy. We have now grown to approximately 100 members and cater for all ages, levels of interest and abilities. We meet regularly on the last Wednesday of each month where informal get-togethers are interlaced with talks by eminent speakers, and cover topics as far ranging as the birth of the universe, the namings of stars to meteorites and Apollo space missions.'

'Meetings are held each month on Tuesday evenings, commencing at 7.30 pm and concluding around 9 pm. Our main meeting programme runs from September to May, and features a formal lecture on the first Tuesday of the month, and a more informal "Activity Night" on the third Tuesday.'

'The Astronomical Section provides a programme of lectures and occasionally a visit to an observatory or other site ... Lecturers are from outside, members of the Society or members of other astronomical societies.'

Meetings 'take place at 7.30 pm on the 2nd Friday of each month between September and May and are usually given by lecturers from Cardiff or Swansea Universities and members of other Welsh astronomical societies. Almost every conceivable astronomical topic is covered'.

‘Founded in 1959 for people with an interest in astronomy in and around the Cambridge area. With Cambridge being one of the leading astronomical centers, we are very lucky to have many professional astronomers who have spoken at our meetings, giving us the most up to date Information about current research. CAA has many other activities and events as well as holding regular lecture meetings ... The CAA includes two junior sections for younger astronomers, one for 7 to 11 year-olds, the other for young astronomers over the age of 11. Collectively known as the Cambridge Young Astronomers (CYA).’

'A series of talks is held at Cardiff University on alternate Thursday evenings from September through to July, from 7.30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Attendances at the fortnightly talks are usually in excess of 70 and on some occasions during the year will reach 80 to 100. The talks programme is varied and comprises informal lectures, visual presentations and short talks. The aim is to cater for all interests, at whatever level, beginner or advanced. The Society is able to attract the very best speakers from all over the UK and beyond.'

'We are a small informal group, meeting on the first Thursday of the month. CDAA is the only Astronomical Society serving the Tendring and Colchester districts ... In addition to the main events, there are also Monthly "Night Sky" , "Astro-News" presentations, Seasonal Constellations and a regular raffle. We are a friendly bunch of amateurs where new members and visitors are always warmly welcomed ... Please note that although visitors are very welcome, they are charged an entry fee.'

'Founded in 1969 and located at Beacon Hill Allotments, Cleethorpes. We have our own lecture room and observatory containing a 16 inch Newtonian/Cassegrain telescope as well as other smaller telescopes. Regular monthly meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month with invited speakers who give talks on a range of astronomical topics ... We also run beginners' sessions from September to May once a month on Friday evenings which are open to everyone.'

'Meetings are typically held monthly, ranging from talks on a variety of topics (usually by an external speaker) to observing evenings ... Membership is open to current employees (or retirees) on the Cody Technology park in Farnborough, site of QinetiQ. In addition the society has been given approval to offer membership to a limited number of the general public.'

'Our main event is a monthly meeting; in the first half a guest speaker talks on a topic of astronomical interest, followed by a break for tea or coffee and biscuits. The second half is generally "open house" often with a "what’s up in the sky" talk, display of members photographs, or discussions about equipment or observing techniques.'

'Our meetings are held on the third Wednesday of every month starting at 7.30 pm ... and are open to all. No previous experience or knowledge of astronomy is required. If you are generally interested in "what’s up there", or would like to know where to start in astronomy you will be particularly welcome. Of course, experienced astronomers are welcome too.'

'The Society holds lecture evenings ... every second Friday during Term Time ... Lectures start at 19.45 and end around 22.00, We normally start with an introductory talk and club news followed by a short refreshment break the evening is then completed by the main lecture as shown in the programme.'

'We currently number over 50 members from all walks of life and whose knowledge of astronomy ranges from complete beginner to advanced. The society holds regular meetings on the first Friday of each month (except July and August) at 7:30 pm ... Meetings usually involve an outside speaker, but members also give talks and the society holds a quiz in February. We also hold 'Introduction to Astronomy' evenings ... on the third Friday of the month. See below for more information. We are a friendly and, despite our subject, "down to earth" society. Meetings are a great way for potential new members to see what we're about in an informal and relaxed atmosphere.'

'The Society meets monthly from September to May. The meetings normally start at 7 pm and finish by 9.30 pm. Typically, we start with any announcements and business matters, then we normally have a speaker’s presentation, with questions and discussion, followed by coffee and chat.'

Meetings 'are held every month from September/October to July. We usually have a visiting speaker, but we also have talks by our members, slide shows and demonstrations. Part of the evening is set aside for refreshments and informal discussions'.

'We hold a society meeting every month ... Our meetings begin with discussion of current events of astronomy interest and brief reports from the committee. This is followed by a presentation by a guest speaker or member on an astronomy or cosmology topic.'

Meets 'every Thursday evening throughout the year from 9 pm onwards ... The last Thursday of the month from September to May is reserved for formal meetings - either guest speakers, or HoEAS members ... These meetings start at 8.30 pm, with the rooms open from 8 pm'.

'Meetings take place usually every 2nd Monday in the month and run from September to June. Meetings begin promptly at 7.30 pm and end at 9.30 pm. Refreshments are available and there is also an end of evening raffle !'

'The lecture programme ... runs from September until the end of April ... Meetings start at 7.30 pm sharp and consist of a short talk given by one of our members followed by the main lecture, usually given by a Professional Astronomer. The lecture over, light refreshments are available free of charge. At this time members are free to mix and discuss the latest astronomical news and events. The meeting finishes at 10.00 pm.'

'We meet twice every month through the winter months and once a month through the summer. The 3rd Friday meeting tends to cover the more cerebral aspects of Astronomy, although not exclusively so. The 1st Friday meetings, which run from October to March inclusive, are practical, and members are encouraged to bring their own scopes or binoculars to this meeting as we will be out observing if conditions allow.'

'We have monthly meetings throughout the year with the exception of August, normally meeting on the first Monday of the month ... Our monthly meetings normally take the form of a guest speaker giving a talk/ presentation about their particular field of interest.'

'We meet from 7.30 pm on the last Wednesday of each month, when we have presentations by external speakers. We also have additional meetings in January, April, July and October, which feature talks by members of the society. In December our meeting is around the middle of the month, when we have our AGM and our famous Quiz !'

'Founded in 1990, meets three times a month for a Workshop, main Lecture and Beginners class. Whether you are an armchair astronomer or a keen meteor-observer, you will find a kindred spirit within the Society ...'

'Members meet every Thursday at the Godlee Observatory (except when a public lecture is taking place and during Christmas/New Year week), when slide shows, digital image shows, informal talks and occasional 'workshops' take place. Of course the telescopes are also used, weather permitting. On the third Thursday of the month, from October to March, a free public lecture is held at a venue in the centre of Manchester ... commencing at 7.30 pm. Non-members are most welcome. The prestigious Kopal Lecture is given annually by an astronomer from the University of Manchester's Department of Astronomy or Radio Astronomy in honour of an old friend, the late Emeritus Professor Zdenek Kopal, Manchester's first Professor of Astronomy.'

'MARS is an informal astronomical society that meets the second Tuesday of each calendar month (except August) ... Membership is open to anyone, regardless of age, knowledge or experience. Meetings start at 19.30 and usually finish at 21.30. There is no annual membership fee; members simply pay £1 per meeting they attend and students/under 18s attend free.'

'The society holds a number of meetings and events during the course of each month ... At the meetings you will here a range of guest speakers who are expert in their chosen fields interspered with presentations by our members ... All our meetings and events begin at 8.00 pm.'

'Each month, the society has s a guest speaker, who will talk about their specialised subject, followed by a "what's up" describing the sky that month and sometimes an additional 5-minute talk from a society member on something they have been doing recently. Free refreshments are available during the interval ... The meetings are held on the first Friday of each month from September to June and start at 7.30 pm.'

'Meetings are held at 7 pm on Thursdays ... Founded in 1904 and is active in both the practical and theoretical aspects of astronomy. Our members come from all over the region, and from all walks of life. Some are keen observers, others are very much armchair astronomers, but we aim to provide lectures and activities that will appeal to everyone.'

Lectures 'are usually on the second Monday of each month (except in July and August) at 7.30 pm and are held in the Donald Barber Lecture Theatre at the Observatory. Members of the public are welcome'.

'Meets at 19.45 on the first Wednesday of every month ... If you live in the North Devon area and want to come and meet the crowd, share a cuppa and listen to talks given by members on a wealth of subjects, wander along to a meeting – you don't have to be a member to see if it's for you.... Most meetings comprise a short talk followed by a main talk.'

'Public meetings take place on the third Wednesday of the month (except for August & December), are open to all members of the public ... The meetings start at 7.30 pm, with the talk usually starting at 8 pm.'

'We arrange alternate member and guest speaker evenings during the autumn and winter months ... The talks cover a wide range of topics given by specialists in their field, and to cover cost there is a small entry charge.'

'The society meets monthly from September to June on the 1st Tuesday of the month ... All Meetings commence 19.00 hrs ... Following discussions at the 2011 AGM, it has been decided to introduce an admission charge for non-members. Non-members will be allowed to attend two meetings free of charge, then the admission charge will be £2.00 per meeting.'